Bo Jackson was an awesome NFL Football player and athlete .. Maybe only average MLB Baseball Out fielder though. I saw him play mostly football on TV rather than baseball. I do remember he hit a HR in an All Stars game once I think ?

I find it amazing that anyone can reach such a high level in 2 Pro sports.

Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage, Nolan Ryan, Don Larsen, Ron Guidry, Orel Hershieser, Tony Gwinn, Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock, Dave Winfield, Harold Renyolds, Jim Kelly, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, John Matusak, John Madden, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Michael Cooper, Kurt Rambus, James Worthy, John Wooden and the most recent was Keith Ericson who I just met at lunch today. These are just a few from the top of my head. It is part of my business to be in the same place at the same time with athletes and showbiz celebs. I rarely get excited anymore and I never ask for autographs but it is definately cool.

I run into a lot of famous athletes and other famous people, because my office is across the street from MTV. I prefer to leave them alone as well. The only time I try to get in-person autographs is at the ball park for my kids. There is one lady that I think is gorgeous, she played a doctor in a show with Mike Farrell. It turns out she belongs to my church (as does Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson). I don't talk to them because I don't want to invade their privacy. My wife would kill me anyway.

Living around stars just becomes a way of life living in certain parts of LA. As neighbors we actually were protective of their privacy. I'd have friends visit and be wowed they played basketball with some star. To us they were just part of the Saturday morning basketball gang. They were at the playgrounds with their kids just like anyone else. They were in the pickup line at preschool just like anyone else. You would be surprised how ordinary some of them look without makeup. The best was living at the beach and having rock stars take over the stage.. One of our pre married hangouts had a house band who were contract backup musicians. Guys from major bands who lived at the beach would come in to see them and join them on stage.

The big hassle is having a show filmed down the street. What a hassle getting to work when they were filming. And it was an awful show that lasted a few years. Before anyone asks I can't remember the name of the show. It was a detective show in the 80's when these shows were hot. It starred two studs and a problem solving nerd. Their boat was docked in the town of "King Harbor" which was actually the King Harbor Marina in Redondo.

Hey Tumble. I would have mentioned Rambis but I didn't see him as a star. The only starring appearance he had was McHale tossing him into the front row on a layup.

One of my uncles was the late Dick Schaap, so I got to meet my fair share of athletes and other celebs. The most meaningful for me was when I was introduced to Bob Beamon (1968 Olymic gold medal winner and former world record holder in the long jump) and got to tell him that I had his picture plastered on the door to my college dorm room.

I met the Lakers I mentioned along with James Worthy at a hotel I was staying at in Atlanta. They were getting into the elevator I was already in and Magic was at the front desk. We held the elevator waiting for magic and eventually leaving him there. They were all very personable and friendly. It seemed odd to meet them in Atlanta when I live 40 miles from the Forum where I had seen them play dozens of times.

Like Tumblebug, I am in the entertainment business so I am around big stars all the time, both music and sports. I also worked security at the 2004 World Cup in Washington in the VIP area and did security for the Redskins. Between these things I have met many past and current stars.

The best was the first time I worked a Redskin game I wouldn't alow a woman to access the home team locker ramp without a pass. Turns out it was Joe Jacoby's wife.

Although probably not considered famous by many...the only one that I feel I really "met" wasLarry Drew.

Many years ago, when I was in Junior High School I went across the street from my home to play some basketball with some friends.

Larry Drew, a member of the KC Kings at the time, pulled up and spent an hour or so playing some ball with us. I didn't even know who it was at first but we were someone suspicious after a bit because of the nice car and obvious talent. We didn't hound him for anything and just spent the afternoon playing and talking...probably exactly what he was after as he appeared to truely enjoy the game.

That was as good as it gets for me...a pro-player just dropping in when he sees some kids playing a game.

That's why I had to intially ask what defines "met"...paying money to stand in line, get an autograph, and shake someones hand doesn't qualify as meeting someone. If you can't talk with someone in a non-controlled and relaxed environment...I don't think that qualifies as meeting them.

I will try this again. I posted an answer that went away. The board said I wasn't logged in and then wouldn't let log-in. I went back to Eteamz and I was logged there, came back and was fine until I tried to answer. Then I was out again and then back in. Most confusing.